Wanted: Influencers

Dear reader,

Can I tell you a story?

It's been over five years since I first began the "grown-up" version of a story I first titled and wrote in fifth grade. Back then it told a super convoluted, rather plagiarized tale of Margaret O'Brien, a roses-loving girl, one of four sisters, during the Civil War - and her romance with one Connor Barnes.

Upon completion of that first draft, I shelved it away—always knowing deep down I'd come back to it. Fast forward to 2012, and dust it off I did. And I changed some names (so Connor Barnes, the handsome redhead Irishman, could actually have an Irish surname) but I kept the setting, found a real, vibrant city to set my tale in—and I promise I cut out all of the plagiarism of Little Women, and Lynn Austin's Refiner's Fire series.

Here's the official blurb:

The War Between the States shakes Margaret Bryant out of her comfortable upper-class life when her father enlists in the Army of the Potomac. Despite being safely ensconced above the Mason-Dixon Line in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Margaret finds her strength tested by opposition from familiar faces and Confederate threats. Will she let a young man from a lesser station into her heart even as war rages ever nearer to the homefront?

Restless Connor Doyle sees the war as a way to escape from his family’s farm and his identity as a poor Irishman’s son. His brother, Adam, torn between duty to country and his family, enlists alongside Connor. Adam dares to hope in a future with Margaret when he begins a courtship correspondence from the warfront. The two brothers make a vow to protect one another at all costs, but when faced with death and destruction from all sides—will they be able to uphold it?

The three bloodiest days in America’s history brings these three together at Gettysburg and tragedy’s cruelty threatens to tear two hearts apart—and bring two unlikely allies together.

Coming April 12, 2018

But prior to that: I need your help.

It takes a village to release a book—and suffice it to say I learned that well with my first two releases which didn't have Official Street Teams. But all that has changed this time around, with my very own blossoming street team. Amongst the Roses is first up on my 2018 release list—and if you join, you get first dibs at reading/helping promote my next two releases of 2018. A 1950's Pittsburgh romance novella, and A Rose Long Awaited—the sequel to Amongst the Roses. Exclusive giveaways, inside looks/trivia, and getting to be privy to all the exciting developments of the last stages of novel publication is just some of the fun we'll be having in a private Facebook group in the months leading up to publication. (Follow ye old link below to get more details of being on my team)

I would so dearly appreciate your help in getting my baby little book into the Great Wide World, so that our good, good Father can get it to the people He wants to read it. That is why I have this own imprint of mine called Northern Belle Publishing. I can't even say it's a dream come true—it's simply how God led me to release the books He inspires.
This novel is the one that's been with me the longest, its characters are like family, and hold a special part of my heart that is only revealed within its pages, and I would so love to share it with you.

Hope to see you on the

Belles & Roses Street Team!

I am so excited for you to read Margaret, Connor, and Adam's story in April. Stay tuned for cover reveal, more about my novella—and all the other adventures God's put me on this season.